Problem when adding custom categories

I'm running into a problem when trying to add custom categories. I'm in the options under Settings > Skin > Home > Add More Categories. I can successfully add an item from my favorites and it appears on the home screen. However when I click on it a garbled screen appears and I some times have problems exiting out of it.

I noticed when adding the custom category the path under Button Properties is activatewindow(10025,"F:\",return)

I tried adding a custom category by editing the includes_home.xml and successfully got it working (minus the on focus image). However I did not include "return" as a parameter in the activate window command and when I did include it I got the same error as before. It seems like adding the return parameter is the root of the issue.

I'm running the Frodo Alpha 3 which might be part of the issue. Does anyone know how to edit the skin so it doesn't add "return" when making custom categories or another fix?

I am bumping this thread instead of making a new one as I too am having this problem. Let me explain whats going on.

I added a new file location to my videos folder named Documentarys (Videos>FIles>Documentarys), I then added this new folder to my Favorites. Once in my favorites I preceded to go to Settings>Skin>Home>Add More Categories > and added a new category linking to the Documentarys folder I added to my favorites. Once done I went to my home screen, clicked on the new category and saw the same visual bug as can be seen in the screenshot above.

I also tried using different video folders that I added to favorites and added to a custom category, all same result. If anyone here can help me I would be very grateful.

Thank you all for your time and assistance.

-Stangmar

P.S. Smart Playlists work fine, however for what I am trying to do a Smart Playlist does not suit my needs as well as this idea. Just thought I would cover this before someone recommended it. Thanks again for your time and assistance.

I guess the the short answer is, time to find a new skin... As XBMC approaches Frodo release, and this skin will become obsolete in its present form. unless someone is willing to take it over.
I too get this screen... Most times I can press a direction keypad, and and it will fix itself.

I guess the the short answer is, time to find a new skin... As XBMC approaches Frodo release, and this skin will become obsolete in its present form. unless someone is willing to take it over.
I too get this screen... Most times I can press a direction keypad, and and it will fix itself.

I'm resurrecting this old thread because a fix might finally have been found (thanks to you, tullm and Ronie). HELIX ONLY.

The fix is currently working for custom home categories - not for custom home submenus yet.

If this is working perfectly, I will add this for the submenus and Gotham as well.

The fix unfortunately breaks the paths for existing custom home categories when using favourites - but not the icon, panel, images or backgrounds. Presets are not affected at all.

When saving playlists as a favourite and using this as a custom home category, this new fix also introduces the ability to either play the item or enter the library (which will work nice for music playlists).

To this update, I have also added a lot more presets to use when creating custom categories and submenus. You now have the ability to choose add-ons from the presets dialog and also paths directly. This applies to the Music, Videos, Programs and Pictures sections.

EDIT: This fix will be included for custom categories and submenus in the next update both for Gotham and Helix.